How Would You Answer Jesus’ Most Personal Question?
If Jesus asked you the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” what would you say?
Let’s set the stage a little more.
Jesus, the creator of the universe, not only spoke to you directly, but He asked you a question that requires a response. But He doesn’t ask just any question.
No, He asks a question that has the promise of a response. And not just any response, but one that has the potential to grant you a wish of your heart.
And not just any wish. But possibly your greatest desire and truest hope for your future.
What would you say?
Biblical Examples of Jesus Asking “What Is It You Want?”
I was reading in Matthew 20 and, though I’ve read it many times before, it struck me for the first time that Jesus asks quite possibly the most powerful question someone has ever heard.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Or some versions say, “What is it you want?”
You see, Jesus concerns himself with matters of the heart.
Jesus asked this question, in this manner, only a handful of times in the Bible.
The Sons of Zebedee
In Matthew 20 we see a mother coming to Jesus on behalf of her sons. Honestly, didn’t she ask what any mother who loves her sons would ask? She often gets berated amongst Bible scholars for being so bold, but I find her admirable.
Jesus asked her what she wanted. The desire of her heart was to see her sons at the right and left hand of the Lord in the kingdom of Heaven. What mother doesn’t want the absolute best for her children?
And that is simple proof that the heart can get twisted by human desire so quickly. What some may say is an act of love, Jesus calls out as an act of self-promotion.
Now, this story results in a great principle being taught by Jesus. The greatest must become the lowest. The master must become the servant.
In Mark we see the account recorded as though her sons asked Jesus for this request directly. Either way, the desire of their hearts was to be glorified and powerful.
The Blind Men
Immediately following this story, we see two blind men approach Jesus. And here again, He asks them the same question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
This story has a different outcome. Whereas the mother and her sons were taught a lesson, the blind men were granted their sight without hesitation. The desire of their hearts were to receive a basic human need.
To be made whole.
John’s Disciples
And again, in John 1, two of John’s disciples began following Jesus.
He turned to them and asked, “What do you want?”
Their response was one of curiosity and excitement, believing they’d found the Messiah. They simply wanted to know where He was staying.
Their desire was for relationship.
What Do You Want from the Lord
Here we have three specific examples of Jesus asking the same question, with three very different motives.
- glory and power
- basic need
- relationship
The sons of Zebedee were taught a valuable lesson. The blind men were granted their wish. And John’s disciples were invited into relationship.
Each story places a spotlight on the human heart. The Bible has a lot to say about the heart. It cautions us to guard our hearts, hold every thought captive, and renew our minds towards the Lord.
A simple internet search of all the places the Bible says the word “Heart” tells us it’s over 1,000 times. If God addresses the heart that many times, it should cause us to stop and truly think about the importance of it.
Here is a minute sampling of passages that I’ve always loved.
- Deuteronomy 6:5: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
- Deuteronomy 11:16 Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them;
- Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
- Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
- Luke 6:44-46: for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
A Challenge
Today’s Grace Note is less of me telling you what I think, and is more of a challenge to you to inspect your own heart. Really sit with it. In all things, we are inspecting the motive or intent of our heart. This is a huge part of spiritual maturity.
What would you say if Jesus asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?”
And how will you let that answer shape your daily life?
~Sarah
Luke 12:29-31: And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom first, and these things will be given to you as well.
